How a compass works. Compass orientation on the ground, in the forest, apartment: instructions

Hello again, dear friends! Solve the riddle!

When this friend is with you

You can without roads

Walk north and south

West and East!

Guessed? Here's a hint for you! This is a device that helps you navigate the terrain, not get lost in the forest and find your way back. Well, of course it's a compass!

Someone, perhaps, will smile: why today is a simpleton-compass, if in the world of the latest technologies it is possible to pave the way with modern navigators!

Of course, you need to keep up with the times and make your life easier with the help of fashionable technical gadgets. But what if suddenly in the deep forest the battery of the super-guide runs out, but you don’t have a spare one with you? Or will the GPS connection fail? How then to be? Although this may not be useful, each of us should at least know how to use a compass so that we can easily use it when necessary.

Lesson plan:

How did the compass come about?

Before teaching you how to use this simple device correctly, I would like to briefly tell you who came up with this little thing that helps you find your way.

Where do you think the compass was born? You won't believe it, but here again the Chinese were involved! According to some available facts, prehistoric devices for determining the cardinal points appeared in them even before our era. Later, from the 10th century, the Chinese used it to determine the correct path in the desert.

From China, the compass migrated to the Arab sailors, who so needed a guide. A magnetized object placed in water turned to one side of the world.

By the 13th century, the Europeans acquired the necessary device and improved it. The Italian Joya made the dial and also divided it into 16 parts. In addition, he fixed the arrow on a thin hairpin, and closed the bowl of the device with glass, pouring water into it.

Many years have passed since then, scientists have improved the compass all the time, but the European idea itself has not changed today.

What are compasses?

The types of guidebooks are related to where they are used.

Magnetic devices

Electromagnetic devices

They work due to magnetic induction and are used in aircraft, as well as marine vessels. They are not magnetized by metal, so they give a smaller error.

Gyrocompasses

They work with a special device called a gyroscope. This is a device that responds to a change in orientation angle. Such devices are used in shipping, as well as rocket technology.

Electronic compasses

This is a novelty of the last decades, which already looks more like a navigator, as it picks up a signal from a satellite.

How does a regular compass work?

To learn how to navigate, you need to understand what a regular compass is, as well as how it works. I propose to consider the well-known Adrian model.

The magnetic device consists of a body and a needle located in the center, on which the arrow is held. Most often, this arrow is painted in two colors: one tip is blue, and the other is red. A correctly working compass always points to the north with a blue arrow, while the red one, respectively, shows exactly the opposite - to the south.

He also has a scale. It is called limbo and consists of numbers. The outer scale of numbers is divided by divisions from 0 to 360. This is the degree, or angle, of the turn of the arrow. It establishes the direction of movement. In addition, cardinal points can be signed on the limb in Russian or English capital letters:

- C or N stands for north,

- Yu or S means south,

- B or E directs east,

— W or W shows where the west is.

Before using the compass, it is checked. To make sure that your device works without errors, you need to put it on a horizontal surface and wait until the arrow freezes, showing where the north is. Bring any metal object near the device. Under the influence of the magnet, the arrow will deviate in its direction. Then we remove the metal from the field of action and observe our arrow.

If our compass is working, then the arrow will certainly turn to its original position to the north.

It is important! The magnetic compass is not used near power lines, as well as near railway tracks. The arrow begins to reach for the metal, so the mechanism does not work correctly.

Learning to walk with a compass

You can learn how to use a compass before going on a long journey with it in an apartment. So, here is a short instruction that will help you master this simple device and use it to return safely from your trip.

Here our work with the compass is over. We go to ourselves in the next room "for mushrooms and berries." When the time comes to return home, we take out our compass and start looking for the right path.

We put the compass on the palm of our hand. Set the arrow pointing north.
We build a line of return: through the center we connect two numbers: the azimuth point and the one that indicated our initial movement, namely to the “neighboring forest”.
We return to where the azimuth is directed.

If you have returned to the original point to the conditional landmark, then you can safely go on a trip. If instead of the kitchen where you came from, you suddenly returned to the bathroom, then it’s too early for you to go to the forest. Need to practice.

It is important! If your path is winding and often turns in one direction or the other, experienced travelers advise dividing it into sections, choosing a separate landmark for each section and recording its data. Going back from point to point will be easier.

How to transfer the path to the map?

It is convenient for some tourists to follow the map, where the symbols are applied. Sometimes it is simply necessary when you do not know the exact coordinates, and the desired place is drawn only graphically. How to find it for several kilometers? You need to transfer your course to a regular map.

Place the card on a flat surface.
We place the compass on top of the map so that its edge is used as a line from your current location to your destination.
We twist the device until the arrow rests on the north indicator. But! The pointer is not on the device itself, but the pointer of the north direction drawn on the map (the so-called geographical north).
As soon as the arrow of the device connected with the arrow drawn on the map, we look at the number - the azimuth, showing the place where we are going.
We remember the destination number, remove the card.

Moving around the map helps even when you get lost. To do this, it is enough to find on paper a landmark near which you are, for example, a river or a road, and using the instructions described above, go to the right place.

Both the west and the east seduced me.

But I never believed them!

I walked and swam hundreds of miles and roads

But the soul is forever torn to the north!

It's true that everyone has a path

Yes, infrequently it is simple and familiar!

And walk along it, do not stray, do not turn,

Can someone like me be magnetized!

Convinced that there is nothing complicated in using the compass ?! But this simple device can become an indispensable assistant! Therefore, take it as soon as possible, twist it, train, because summer is coming, and this is a good time to test your knowledge and arrange orienteering competitions!

To consolidate the information received, watch the video lesson, and if something was still not clear, then after watching everything will definitely become clear.

"ShkolaLa" briefly says goodbye to you with the wishes of good travels!

Evgenia Klimkovich.

The compass is an excellent tool for navigating the terrain, even in the most remote wilderness. With it, you can not be afraid to get lost or lost, but only if you use it correctly. It may seem to many that they know how to use a compass, and there is nothing complicated about it. But in fact, it is a whole science and there are a couple of tricks that can surprise even the most experienced tracker.

How to understand the compass readings?

Even understanding where the arrow is pointing, it is not always clear what the rest of the dashes and divisions on this navigation device mean. You can't learn how to use a compass without understanding how it works. All models may differ in design and size, but in general they consist of elements such as:

Main board(represents a plate to which an arrow is attached, most often a transparent or neutral shade).
Arrow indicating direction(most often two-tone, red on one side and blue on the other, for ease of orientation).
Ring(transparent device on which the magnetic needle is fixed).
Arc with divisions(the whole circle is divided evenly by dashes, which make up 360 degrees in total).
Magnetic needle(a rotating part that indicates the direction of the north).
Wind rose showing the location of the cardinal directions.

Even the location of the device is important, it must be placed correctly in the palm of your hand, raising it to chest level. In this case, the readings will be correct, and he will indicate the direction.

How to use a compass in the forest?

Once in the forest, it will be useful for a fisherman or hunter to be able to navigate correctly without a map. In this case, knowing how to use a compass in a forest or open area will help.

Use the navigation device as follows:

Before entering the forest, it is better to determine for yourself a landmark that may be useful in finding your way back. Experienced people call this "binding" to the terrain. Large power poles, or other objects that are visible from afar, are suitable for this.
Step back a little and look around. If objects of great height are noticeable, which will be visible from afar, then it is worth stopping at one, defining it as a guide. It is necessary to put a compass on an open hand and release the arrow. As soon as she comes to rest, you need to turn the body so that the arrow with a blue tip is directed towards the north.
Using the scale available on the device, you can calculate how many degrees to the landmark to the arrow, which is directed north. This indicator should be remembered in order to make it easy to go back later. After that, you can go deep into the forest without fear.
You can leave in any direction, but only at a right angle.
Each time, moving through the forest, you should specify your location in relation to the landmark.
Before going back, you should position it the way it was when it “looked” at the landmark. And go in this direction, then you can sooner or later stumble upon the chosen landmark.

So you can learn how to use the compass, going to the forest or fishing. Especially if the area is unfamiliar.

How to check the health of the device?

Before going out into nature and taking a compass with you as a navigation, you should be sure that it is not broken and that it indicates the direction correctly. You can do this at home. This requires:

Install the device on a smooth surface so that there is no tilt.
Release the arrow and after it has stopped, bring any metal object to it. As soon as she hesitated, remove it.
Carefully observe whether the arrow has returned to its original position. If this does not happen, then you do not need to use the compass.

If the device is not working, then it is better to purchase another one. There are quite a lot of them on the market, but for periodic trips to the forest, an ordinary tourist one is suitable.

There are a few tricks that can come in handy when using a compass.

If there is not a large enough landmark nearby, then you can choose temporary small objects. But in this case, the coordinates will need to be recorded. When moving backward, you should consistently move from one to another.
The most common beginner mistake is to rotate the compass case when you should turn yourself.
The arrow should rotate easily, no need to shake the device or try to tilt it. In this case, it may not lead at all to where it was planned.
You should be careful and remember that the arrow points to the magnetic pole of the Earth, and not to the geographic one, and therefore it is advisable to additionally check with the map of the area.
In areas where there are deposits of iron ore, the compass may behave strangely, for example, rotate randomly, showing north in a different direction. In this case, the main thing is not to panic and try to move a certain distance, repeating an attempt to determine the terrain.

These tips will help you use the compass correctly and avoid the most common mistakes.

What to do if the compass breaks in the forest?

There are times when a navigation device and even a compass, tested over the years, can fail right in the forest. In this case, you can use other guidelines. For example, help will come:

Polar Star. This is the only luminary that remains motionless in the sky. To find it, you need to find Ursa Minor among the cluster of stars, the extreme point in its bucket is a landmark that will indicate where the north is.
Church or mosque. If an Orthodox church is seen from a hillock, then the oblique crossbar on the cross will show the direction to the north pole as a raised part. If the mosque is visible, then the crescent at the top will face east.
Pillars. In some forests, structures with numbering are installed, they are also strictly oriented and the two smallest numbers will indicate the direction to the north.
River. If a stream flows in the forest, you can simply go down its course, as it will certainly lead to a large reservoir, and there are always people there.
Stones or trees. Large monumental oaks or cobblestones, which lie motionless for a long time, are always overgrown with a thick layer of moss on the north side.

All of these alternative methods can be used when other references are not available or in conjunction with a compass to make sure it works correctly. In any case, knowledge about these natural navigators will always be useful for both adults and children, and one day it may allow you not to get lost in the forest.

Despite the fact that many people know what a magnetic compass is, not everyone knows how to use it correctly. And even those who know how to handle this ancient navigational device do not always know about the important nuances of its use, which is why ridiculous errors can be observed all the time. And sometimes such ignorance leads to the development of dangerous situations if a person finds himself in the wild and cannot orient himself even with a working compass.

Practice shows that due to the enthusiasm for modern GPS, people practically atrophy their normal orientation in space and the ability to use simple devices.

I propose to figure out what tasks can be solved with the help of a compass, how to do it and how not to get into a mess, having it with you.

So, first, let's figure out what a compass is for. And you need it for:

Map orientation.
Selecting the desired direction according to the known azimuth on the map and on the ground.
Determine your location.

These are the main tasks that are solved with the help of a compass in the vast majority of cases. Now let's consider each of the tasks in the aspect of how to solve it.

Determination of cardinal directions

It is necessary to determine the cardinal directions for different purposes, one of which is orientation in the map space, which will be discussed a little later.

It may also be necessary if a person is lost and does not have a card at his disposal. In this case, he will be able to get out, for example, from the forest, moving along the emergency azimuth, which was described here (Compass orientation), or simply move in any chosen direction without describing zigzags, which often happens when a person without a compass and skills orientation to surrounding objects, tries to go in one direction. The so-called "azimuth walking" can also be applied in diving, where, due to limited visibility, a person without a compass simply cannot orient himself.

With the help of a compass, you can determine the cardinal directions within a few seconds (although the time depends on how quickly the arrow stabilizes).

There are two ways. We analyzed some of them in an article about, so I’ll go straight to the second.

In order to find out which side of the world is located, you need to place the compass in a horizontal position upside down, release the arrester (stopper), if any, and turn your face in the direction where the northern part of the magnetic needle points. At this moment, the north will be in front of the face, the south will be behind, the east will be on the right, and the west will be on the left. The video shows how it's done:

Map Orientation

Orientation of the map is necessary for quick and convenient work with it. In particular, if the map is oriented, then it will not be necessary to recalculate the azimuths measured on it using a magnetic compass, correcting for magnetic declination.

In order to orient the map, you need:
Attach a compass to its side frame.
Rotate the map with the compass so that the northern part of the arrow points to the upper frame of the map, and the arrow itself is parallel to the side frame (not to be confused with the kilometer grid!).
Rotate the map with the compass clockwise if the magnetic declination in this area is west, or counterclockwise if it is east. The rotation is carried out at an angle equal to the magnetic declination.

Finger-mounted compasses are most suitable for orienting maps.

Azimuth determination

Determining the azimuth is the main task of the compass. It is with the help of it that the desired course is selected, although for travel that is not related to sea, most often travelers use landmarks and only if necessary - azimuths.

The azimuth, which we talked about in detail in a separate article (How to determine the azimuth using a compass), can be measured using a compass, both on the map and on the ground.

There is only one point - to position the compass in the right direction and by rotating the compass dial, align the northern part of the arrow with the value 0 ° / 360 ° on the scale. Once this has been done, the pointer on the compass bulb will show on the scale the magnetic bearing of the desired direction.

Choice of direction

Choosing a direction according to the azimuth measured on the map is a common thing when you have to go not along paths and clearings, but straight ahead.

It is usually used precisely for this, although the inverse task is also possible - laying the route on the map along the azimuths measured on the ground. So, for example, I built a map of some sections of the Odessa catacombs.

In principle, this problem is the reverse of the one we considered earlier. That is, in this case, first the pointer is set to the desired value on the scale, and then the compass rotates in space until the northern part of the arrow coincides with the value 0°/360° on the scale. Once this has happened, the compass will be located in the right direction.

Finding your location

The solution to this problem can be useful if the traveler has lost his way and wants to figure out exactly where he is. To do this, in addition to the compass, he definitely needs a map.

This method is based on the determination of azimuths to two landmarks visible on the ground and the alignment of rays from the image of these landmarks on the map in the direction of reverse azimuths. The intersection point of the two rays will be the location of the person.

It is also possible that a person stands on a linear landmark or on the edge of an areal one and measures the azimuth to one landmark, and then, by analogy with the previous method, transfers the measurements to the map.

We talked about these methods in more detail in a separate article (Compass orientation).

The specifics of using compasses

It should be noted that working with some models of magnetic compasses will be somewhat different from the described algorithms.

This is primarily due to the fact that some compasses have an arrow glued to the disk on which the scale is applied. When working with such compasses, it makes no sense to wait until the arrow is at 0°/360°: it is always in this position, which is very convenient. However, such compasses tend to be slower in operation.

Also, for convenience, some compasses are equipped with a mirror, looking into which, during measurements, you can control the position of the magnetic needle relative to the scale.

Manufacturers make the flasks of some models transparent and apply a number of parallel lines to them, which increases the convenience when working with the card. With the help of such a compass, it is possible to measure directional angles and true azimuths, regardless of whether a magnet lies next to the compass or the measurement is carried out in vehicles that create magnetic deviations.

But the procedure for working with a liquid compass will not differ in any way from the procedure for working a compass with air under a flask.

Also, working with a military or artillery compass will not be much different from working with an amateur one. Unless professional compasses in this regard will be more convenient: their arrow, for example, can stabilize faster, and the case can protect the compass from accidental shocks.

Also, do not forget that in addition to the usual magnetic compass, there are a number of other compasses, the principles of which are fundamentally different. So, for example, orientation with a radio compass or gyrocompass, which we talked about in another article, will be different from orientation with a magnetic compass. However, in the vast majority of cases, these compasses do not apply to tourism and survival, therefore, in the framework of today's conversation, we mentioned them only to understand the variety of work with different navigation devices.

In general, work with magnetic compasses related to tourism is identical to that described earlier. The subtleties of working with a particular model are determined by the fact of considering or acquiring a compass, based on basic knowledge about working with it.

In any case, no matter what model of the magnetic compass you have to use, you should always follow the rules for using it - do not use a faulty compass, reduce the effect of magnetic deviations and take into account magnetic declination. Only in this case, working with a magnetic compass will bring the expected result.

Now modern navigation devices are quite available, but the simplest compass does not lose popularity, which will not let you down and will help you find the right path even in the dense forest. It does not require batteries or constant recharging to operate. The main thing is to know how to use the compass correctly, and for this you need to familiarize yourself with the principle of its operation. You can use this navigation device even in the field.

Types of compasses and instructions for their use

If your trip goes without a map, in order not to get lost on a hike, you must have any navigation device with you. The best option is a compass. It can be magnetic, electromagnetic, sports, liquid, military, electronic or artillery. In retail outlets, there are also models of solar-powered navigation devices.

How to use a travel compass

This model is a magnetic device that helps you navigate unfamiliar terrain. This compass uses a magnetized needle located strictly along the north-south line. The main advantage of this model is the user-friendly interface. But before the trip, you should familiarize yourself with the principle of operation of the device:

place the device in a horizontal position;
wait until the arrow stops itself;
by turning the navigation device in a certain way, you will orient it (the division of the dial 0 is brought under the northern part of the arrow);
according to the corresponding divisions, east, west, north and south are determined.

A tourist compass consists of a simple round box. The magnetic needle is located in the central part of the device, and its end points to the north. The rotating scale and azimuth degrees are located along the edges of the box. The device may be non-sealed or sealed. There are a large number of different models of this navigation device, the main differences of which are the dimensions and other additional functions (for example, a thermometer built into the strap).

Regardless of which device model is chosen, it is recommended to practice in the apartment before traveling. Instructions on how to use a compass will help you learn how to navigate independently in the forest, in unfamiliar terrain. If you have questions about the operation of the device, ask them to the consultant in the store where the purchase should be checked.

The most accurate and reliable navigation device is military. For the manufacture of such a device, in almost all cases, metal is used. Knowing how to use a compass correctly, everyone will be able to determine the direction and bearing. The case can be sealed or simple, which should be selected taking into account the conditions in which the device will be used. The specification of this model is wide, because it can be used both when performing strategically important tasks by the military, and during hiking trips.

The operation of this navigation device is the same as that of the tourist one. When wondering how to properly use a military compass, you need to carefully study the attached instructions. These devices are characterized by maximum accuracy and long service life, and can be used in any environmental conditions (in extreme heat or in heavy rain).

The military compass has the characteristics of a simple tourist device, but is additionally equipped with a ruler. There is a special magnifying lens and sighting device. The military compass determines the direction as accurately as possible and sets the exact course of movement. Additional features make this navigation device the most popular.

Geological

This type of compass has a certain difference from a simple one, which consists in dividing the scale, where the location of the direction is not clockwise, but counterclockwise. The device is additionally equipped with a semi-limb and a clinometer. With their help, the dip angles of rock layers are determined. The principle of using a geological navigation instrument is the same as that of a simple model.

Gyroscopic

This complex navigational compass is equipped with a special device - a gyroscope, which shows not the earth's magnetic pole, like other models, but the real one. This type is installed on aircraft, river or sea vessels. The advantage of the device is its high stability. It can be used in adverse weather conditions, determining the most accurate direction even with strong swinging.

tablet compass

Such a device consists of a round bulb and a magnetized arrow mounted on a special rectangular base, which is a tablet. The ruler located on it helps to determine the distance on the map as accurately as possible. An additionally installed magnifying glass is used to view a variety of small details. This model of the navigation device is the easiest to use, it can have a mirror.

With the help of the scale of deviations, the crossed place is quickly correlated with the map, which helps to correct the movement as accurately as possible. The rotating capsule can fix a certain azimuth value, there are luminescent dots on the scale and arrow. The compass is filled with a special fluid that provides maximum durability of the arrow when running.

Use the tablet device for navigation according to the following instructions:

The longitudinal edge of the device on the map connects the beginning and end of the selected route. It is necessary to ensure that the lines are directed strictly in the direction of the given direction.
During the rotation, the designations of the north on the map and the flask of the device are necessarily combined (2 bright strokes). All maps of the area are oriented only to the north.
Holding the device in hands, rotation around its axis is performed, the end of the arrow (indicated in red) and 2 luminous points are aligned.
The arrow indicates the direction of the movement being performed, and when moving, it is necessary to periodically check the compass.

Watch with electronic compass

These watches become simply an indispensable item for lovers of travel and long hikes, for those who are poorly oriented by the sun, moss on trees or stars. Some manufacturers produce navigation devices specifically designed for use in extreme conditions. There are models for climbers, waterproof - for divers. Titanium, aluminum alloys, stainless steel, polymers are used to make the case.

compass app for iphone and android

The most popular phone model is a smartphone, which almost every traveler has. A special application is installed on it, with the help of which it is easy to navigate the terrain. When planning a trip to another country, take care of how you will move around in an unfamiliar city. Having such an application on your smartphone or phone, you can not be afraid that you will get lost while sightseeing.

Video lesson: how to navigate in the forest using a compass and a map

A vacation spent in the forest in the company of friends will leave an unforgettable impression if you do not have to fornicate on the way back. Not knowing how to navigate by the stars, the location of moss on a tree or use a sundial, having a bad memory and often forgetting the way, you must definitely take a compass and a map with you on vacation. If you do not understand how to navigate the terrain using these tools, check out the video instructions below. It details how to learn to determine your location on the map and use the compass correctly.

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Discuss

How to use a compass correctly

Traveling and hiking is a part of everyone's life. For some, a trip to a neighboring city is enough, others are planning to cross the mountains, and the third group is leaving for other countries. Some professions are related to orientation. These are pilots and sailors. In any case, everyone plans their trip in advance, draws up a route, determines the points of the pass.

It becomes very unpleasant when a trip to the forest for mushrooms or just for the sake of adventure is overshadowed by wandering and anxiety. In such a situation, a compass and maps save. Having them at hand, you will easily get out of the unknown surroundings to civilization. It is important to understand what it is, what it is for, and learn how to properly use a compass in the forest and without a map.

How the compass works

This is a small device, in the center of which an arrow is fixed on a thin needle. It performs rotational movements exactly parallel to the Earth's lines of force, which are surrounded by magnetic fields. The discovery is listed among the four most important and valuable achievements of Chinese scientists. Its value can be compared with the invention of gunpowder, paper and printing on textiles. Modern models have been improved and have some variations. However, the principle of how to use the compass remains the same.

Let's take a closer look at how the compass works:

The classic version is round. Mostly metal and plastic models are sold. They are not made of iron. They are made of aluminum copper. Models with a reinforced body are also available.
Under the glass cover you can see the dial. His second name limbo. The signs of the sides of the horizon are fixed on it. Also, in ascending order, the division on the compass is indicated - degrees. Zero value on the compass is north, 90 is east on the compass, 180 is south, 270 is west. The countdown is clockwise.
The compass needle is also under the cover. It is placed on a thin hairpin so that the movement is as easy and accurate as possible. Often there is a two-color version, where the red arrow on the compass shows the north direction. However, compliance with such a rule falls only on the shoulders of the manufacturer.
Arretir - a mechanical locking lever designed to hold the arrow in non-working moments. When it is lowered, the compass needle is immediately released and begins to look for the north.
The classic version is complemented by an outer ring designed to establish a guide for movement. In modern models, the ring has been replaced by a human-operated arrow. Also available are devices with a ruler and a map. Sometimes they are supplemented with a magnifying glass.

When is a compass better than a navigator?

Every day, new gadgets are invented and released for sale. One of these fashionable devices have become. It contains a map and a route planning function. Communication with the satellite allows you to accurately determine the location of the traveler and accompanies him throughout the entire route.

The main disadvantage of this gadget is the battery. It can sit down or break unexpectedly. In this case, the tourist will not be able to receive any data about his whereabouts.

The gps navigator contains a map and a route planning function.

With a tourist compass and a geographical map, this is easier. They do not depend on the capacity of the battery, and the pointer readings are accurate in nature.

It is important not to forget to move the device away from electronics, magnets and metals. The only difficulty lies in knowing the rules for reading a map, the basics of route planning and the rules for using a compass.

How to navigate with a compass

Move away from electronics and metal buildup. To start orientation, you need to remove the arrow from the latch. She will perform a few rotational movements, stabilize and point north.

Once the direction is known, adjust your map to match the compass exactly. Select some objects and compare what you see with your map.

When you determine your position, you need to determine the destination and make a route. To do this, match the north of the map and your device, and designate the direction.

Designations on the compass of the cardinal points

In the notation system, the use of the first letters is accepted. For example, Russian manufacturers often use N - north, south - south, east - east, west - west.

The international system assumes the use of the Latin alphabet: North (N - north), South (S - south), East (E - east), West (W - west).

This is a simplified version. It is permissible to indicate intermediate values on the dial.

How to calculate cardinal directions

Examining and studying the map in detail, we know that the north is drawn on top, and the south is drawn below. In this case, the location of the cardinal points can only be approximately calculated. With a compass, things are a little different. The compass needle is not fixed, does not indicate the location of your position and other objects on the map. It is required to identify the cardinal points.

The magnetized part of the rotating needle always points north. The other half is south. In various scientific publications, there is often an indication that the northern part is blue. In other sources - red. In practice, it can even be multi-colored. To avoid errors, you must independently determine the magnetized half. So you additionally make sure that your compass is working.

To study, go outside at noon with your device. Until 12.00 the sun is located near the southern direction. The half that turns towards the sun is south.

How to use a compass to find the bearing

Azimuth is the angle between north and your destination, measured in degrees.

The procedure for determining the azimuth:

Place the device horizontally.
The arrow descends from the latch.
When the arrow stabilizes and stops fluctuating, it is combined with the value of C (S) on the limb.
Select your destination. Align with the degrees on the compass.
Calculate the given angle and strictly follow it. Try not to deviate.

Following the data received, the tourist will accurately reach the goal. To return, the reverse azimuth is taken - you have to go in the opposite direction.

Determination of position by compass without a map

The compass also makes it possible not to get lost in an unfamiliar forest without a map. Choose an object that will become a guide for you. It is better that it be an extended object - a road or a river.

Then you need to move into the forest perpendicular to the selected object. However, it must be visible to the traveler.

Inveterate tourists often purchase transparent compasses. They are much more convenient when working with maps, and the applied lines and contours greatly simplify compass orientation on the ground.

Next, work with the compass begins. It is placed on a flat surface and the arrow is activated. As soon as the arrow stabilizes, it is compared with the north. Draw a mental line to the object. The fixed value is the back azimuth for the return.

Note! When moving in a wooded area, it is important to control deviations from the chosen course and try to avoid them.

To return, you need to take the compass so that the front sight points exactly ahead.

Compass and map orientation

If a long trip is planned, and the destination is located far from the city or village, then it will not be superfluous to stock up on a map, compass, ruler and pencil, to study how the compass works. Many travelers study the area in advance.

Procedure:

Position the map strictly horizontally and mark all the places you plan to visit.
Next, lay the device on the map and put the arrow in action.
Align the northern half of the arrow with the same value on the map.
Use a ruler to draw a line between the first stop on the itinerary and the middle of the limb. Calculate the direction bearing to the first selected point. It is recommended to immediately record the back azimuth in the records.
Next, mark all the selected points in this way.
As you travel, keep your eyes on the data.

When planning stops at several points, all measurements are made in advance, as this will take up valuable time on the way.

Having made preliminary calculations, you can not be afraid to get lost even in an unfamiliar or wooded area.

The specifics of using compasses

The principle of operation with some devices may be a little specific. First of all, it is necessary to single out from the total mass those devices in which the arrow is glued to the dial. This greatly simplifies the task, because now you do not have to combine the arrow and the north. Many tourists note the convenience of such a device. However, it is slightly slower than its simplified predecessor.

Another option is complemented by a small mirror. It is designed to control the measurements of the magnetic needle relative to the scale.

Inveterate tourists often purchase transparent ones. They are much more convenient when working with maps, and the applied lines and contours greatly simplify compass orientation on the ground. Using it, you can make the calculation of the true azimuth. In this case, the work will not depend on nearby magnets, cars or electrical appliances.

Also in goods for tourists you can find options with liquid in the flask. There are no differences in the functioning of devices with air.

Military, army or artillery models are distinguished as a separate category. They differ significantly from the amateur device. The military compass is made of shock-resistant material, and the needle stabilizes much clearer and faster. These two seemingly insignificant differences greatly simplify the work.

Compass error, magnetic declination

Geographic poles do not always coincide with magnetic ones. This phenomenon is connected with the laws of terrestrial magnetism and was discovered in the 19th century. This fact has already been taken into account in electronic devices and on maps.

The north magnetic pole is located 700 miles from the geographic one, at the same time, a deviation of 1500 miles is recorded in the southern hemisphere. The difference, namely the angle formed between the indicators, is called the magnetic declination.

The anomaly is registered in every part of our planet. For the most part, the discrepancies are minor and do not require adjustment. In some areas, the error can reach 25 degrees. To calculate the direction in this case, you must rely on information from the map.

Note! Due to the constant movement of the Earth and the displacement of the layers, the values change. Therefore, it is recommended to update maps periodically.

What to do if the compass is still broken

The first thing a tourist needs to do is calm down. Breakdown even in unfamiliar surroundings is not a problem and not a sentence. This device can be easily built independently from improvised materials that an experienced tourist always has:

sewing needle;
the bottom of a plastic bottle;
a piece of tree bark or cork (approximately 3x3 cm in size);
battery or magnet.

In a wooden cork or bark, it is necessary to make a groove, where the needle will later stand. The needle must be magnetized. This is done in one of 2 ways:

One end is applied to a magnet, and the other end is brought to a lit match. This is necessary to demagnetize the second half.
Take a needle with insulated wire and attach different ends to different poles of the battery. That edge that touched the negative value will point north.

Types of compasses

When choosing a compass for yourself, you need to rely on your needs, goals and some fundamental points of their use.

Magnetic

This is the simplest and longest known device. Its second name is Adrianov, in honor of the name of the Russian engineer-inventor. It is made of metal or plastic case. Inside this case there is a dial indicating the cardinal points and degrees. The magnetized arrow determines the cardinal directions. It interacts with the earth's magnetic field.

Inside the case can be ordinary air or water. Some models are supplemented with a latch that delays the arrow while the compass is not in use. Magnetic - the most widely used device among experienced hikers and amateurs.

Electromagnetic

Electromagnetic is used in cars, airplanes and ships. The action is carried out due to magnetic induction.

Operation does not depend on nearby electrical appliances, metals or magnets. This feature allows you to calculate the route with the least error.

Electronic

Electronic is the achievement of modern technological progress. The principle of operation is similar to the navigator. The device is powered by a battery, and the signal itself catches from the satellite. The technique takes into account all errors and magnetic declinations. That is, they are the most accurate.

The only negative is the possibility of battery discharge, which does not allow use on a long hike, where there is no way to charge the gadget.

Gyroscopic

The operation of the device is provided by a gyroscope. This is a device that responds to a change in orientation angle. Most often, such models are found in shipping and rocket technology.

How to use a military compass

Military models are among the most accurate measuring instruments. The body of the compass is made of metal, which ensures shock resistance and reliability when performing responsible military assignments.

Another plus is the tightness of the case and water resistance. Some will not lose their qualities even at depth. However, leaky ones can also be found on sale - the choice depends on the conditions in which you will use the selected device. After all, even an experienced tourist may be interested in buying a military device. For a novice traveler, the difference will not be noticeable.

The principle of operation does not differ from the work of a conventional tourist, but however, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the instructions in advance.

As an additional element, they have a built-in ruler to simplify the work with maps. To perform accurate measurements, some models are equipped with a magnifying loupe and a sight. Such an apparatus will help to make accurate calculations and set the right course for further movement.

Long life, impact resistance, affordability, ease of use and the ability to use in a wide range of weather conditions makes the military a popular choice among terrain products.

compass app for android and iphone

A smartphone is a new and improved phone model that offers its owner various functions. Now it is almost impossible to imagine your life without it. They have become indispensable companions for travelers due to the availability of maps and a navigator.

All these applications make it easy to navigate the terrain. The determination of the cardinal points is due to the connection with the satellite. Having such an application on your gadget, you can not worry that you will get lost.

The phones have a SOS call function. The main disadvantage of the application is the need for a minimum charge. As soon as the battery on the phone runs out, the application will stop working.

The option is convenient for tourists planning trips abroad or to neighboring cities. It is important for tourists, military, sailors to learn the basics of working with maps, magnetic and electromagnetic compasses.

The basics of how to navigate with a compass in unfamiliar terrain, reading maps has long been out of the compulsory school curriculum. It has to do with advancing technology. Every tourist, pathfinder needs to know how to use a compass. Knowing the basics of working with maps and a compass, you can find a way out of even the most difficult situation.